Combination structure providing multiple covered parking and storage spaces

ABSTRACT

A combination structure that provides multiple covered parking spaces and storage units for use by apartment dwellers and/or office tenants. The metal and concrete structure can be a permanent one or it can be removable, with modular storage units. The structure can be built on new or pre-existing paved surfaces, and it can have design features to complement nearby buildings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a structure which providescovered parking spaces as well as individual storage units for ownersand lessors of units of nearby building complexes. The invention alsorelates to a method for utilizing prefabricated modular storage unitsfor the structure.

[0002] When building complexes are developed, parking and storage needsare often not adequately addressed. For instance, apartment andcondominium complexes, as well as townhouses and small office buildings,often provide only large, uncovered parking lots for parking owners' andlessors' vehicles. Such parking may include visitors parking as well,meaning it may be inconvenient to the living spaces/offices. Parkinggarages, while providing covered parking, are expensive to erect. In anyevent, storage space is often inadequate or nonexistent.

[0003] A need exists for individual covered parking spaces to protectpersons' motor vehicles from the elements. Additionally, a need existsfor convenient storage space located near living units/office spaces ofmulti-unit buildings. A structure that provides covered parking and asecure storage unit for each owner/lessor, conveniently located near theliving units/office spaces, would meet both of these needs in a singleembodiment.

[0004] Financing is often required in order to build a structure. If thebuilding complex itself has been financed in the standard financialmarket, normally the owner of the complex cannot allow a second lien tobe created on the property, for any reason. Therefore, owners of afinanced apartment/office complex cannot secure additional financing ona permanent structure, such as a covered parking/storage structure,because no right of repossession can be given to the lender. A designfor a covered parking/storage structure should provide a means by whichit can be financed in the standard market.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention provides covered parking for a number ofusers, in combination with storage units affixed to the top side of the“covering” for the parked vehicles. The structure can be constructed onnew parking areas or on existing parking lots, requiring only a minimalperiod of shut-down time. The structure can be located adjacent toapartment buildings or offices, making both parking and storageconvenient for the users. The storage units can be permanently affixedor can be removably attached to the structure. Optional features such asair-conditioning, a hoist, electrical lighting, key card access, andvideo surveillance can be added.

[0006] Typically, the structure has supporting columns, each having alower end which is installed into a pipe sleeve which is embedded into aconcrete footing providing support. The upper ends of the columnssupport the platform, which provides covered parking for vehicles, aswell as support for the storage units. The platform and storage unitsare typically constructed from pre-engineered metal building componentsor materials used for light commercial buildings. Stairs and a walkwayprovide access to the storage units, with guard rails for meeting safetyconsiderations.

[0007] The alternate structure disclosed herein can be constructed withmodular storage units. Therefore, the structure can be financed in thestandard market because the units can be removed and repossessed by thelender if the property owner fails to pay the financing note. Thefinancing agreement between the property owner and the lender would besimilar to the type of agreement currently used to secure the purchaseof appliances and air conditioning units for apartments/officecomplexes.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a structurewhich combines covered parking spaces with convenient storage units fora number of users.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a structurewhich is simple to construct on existing or new parking lots.

[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide astructure utilizing readily-available construction materials and needingminimal foundation construction, shop fabrication and field erection.

[0011] A further object of the present invention is to provide astructure which can be adapted to add air-conditioning, a hoist,electrical lighting, key card access and video surveillance.

[0012] A still further object of the present invention is to provide astructure which can be adapted to have modular storage units which canbe installed and removed as needed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013]FIG. 1 is an isometric view showing the combination coveredparking/storage structure of the present invention.

[0014]FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing an alternate combinationcovered parking/storage structure of the present invention, with modularstorage units

[0015]FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the structure of the presentinvention.

[0016]FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the alternate structure of thepresent invention, with modular storage units.

[0017]FIG. 5 is a side plan view of the structure of the presentinvention.

[0018]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure of the presentinvention.

[0019]FIG. 7 is a side plan view of the alternate structure of thepresent invention, with modular storage units.

[0020]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the present invention, withmodular storage units.

[0021]FIG. 9 is a detail view of the lower end of the column set in thefoundation.

[0022]FIG. 10 is a detail cross-sectional view of the connectionsbetween the column, the frame, and the slab, for the alternate structureof the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional top view of the deck frame under theconcrete deck.

[0024]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional top view of the concrete deck of thestructure of the present invention.

[0025]FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional top view of the removable concretedeck panels of the alternate structure of the present invention, withmodular storage units.

[0026]FIG. 14 is a detail cross-sectional side view of the connectionsbetween the steel framing panels and the concrete panels, for thealternate structure of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the removable concretepanels.

[0028]FIG. 16 is a top view of an angle iron frame used for thealternate structure of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the combination structure 1 of the presentinvention provides both covered parking and storage space for a numberof users. The structure 1 can be erected on a new or pre-existing pavedsurface 2. A concrete deck 3 supported by tube steel columns 4 providesa “covering” for parking spaces 5. The columns 4 are spaced apart,typically the width of two parking spaces 5. The columns 4 must be tallenough to provide clearance for vehicles to park. The storagecompartment 6, located above the parking spaces, is typicallyconstructed with prefabricated metal walls 7 and metal roof panels 8,with optional fiberglass sky lights 9. The metal walls 7 and metal roofpanels 8 can be joined together by welding or other fasteningtechniques. An optional storage unit 10 can be built on the pavedsurface 2 for access by handicapped persons when a lift is notavailable. Interior divider walls (not shown) separate the storagecompartment 6 into individual storage sections, each with an insulatedcoiling door 11, which rolls up manually. Access to the coiling doors 11is provided by a stairway 12 leading to a walkway 13. A metal safetyguardrail 14 is located along the walkway 13 and one side of thestairway 12. Decorative elements (not shown) such as a hip or gableroof, with or without dummy windows, can be used to make the structurecosmetically pleasing and to complement nearby buildings.

[0030] The alternate combination structure 20 shown in FIG. 2 hasmultiple modular storage units 21, which are removable. The modularstorage units 21 are made from light gauge steel; they can be made witha skin of wood planks, plaster, metal panels or aluminum siding,depending on design choice. These modular storage units 21 can beprefabricated and assembled off-site and hoisted into place by a crane,using the lifting eyes 22 as attachment means to the hoist.

[0031] The top view in FIG. 3 shows the storage compartment 6, with theinterior divider walls 25 shown as dotted lines. Light is providedthrough sky lights 9. The stairway 12 leads up to the walkway 13.

[0032] In FIG. 4, each of the modular storage units 21 has walls 30which separate the storage units 21 from one another. The stairway 12leads up to the walkway 31. Lifting eyes 22 provide attachment means formoving the modular storage units 21.

[0033]FIG. 5 shows the metal wall 7 of the storage compartment 6 of thecombination structure 1. The tube steel columns 4 support the storagecompartment 6, the stairway 12 and the walkway 13.

[0034] The cross-sectional view of the combination structure 1 in FIG. 6shows some of the construction details. Interior metal wall panels 35comprise the interior divider walls 25 which separate the storagecompartment 6 into individual storage sections 26. The size of thestorage sections can vary depending on market preferences. Each storagesection 26 has a coiling door 11 which rolls upwards around spool 36 toallow access to the storage section 26. The storage compartment 6 isbolted to a concrete deck 3, which is supported by the structural steelframe 37.

[0035]FIG. 7 shows the metal wall 7 of the alternate structure 20. Thetube steel columns 4 support the modular storage units 21, the stairway12 and the walkway 31.

[0036] The cross-sectional view of the alternate structure 20 in FIG. 8shows some of the construction details. Each modular storage unit 21 hasmodular unit wall panels 40 comprising the sides. Each modular storageunit 21 has a coiling door 11 which rolls upwards around spool 36 toallow access to the modular storage unit 21. The modular storage units21 are bolted to the concrete deck panels 53, which are supported by thestructural steel frame 37.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9, in order to install each tube steel column 4,a section of paved surface 2 has been constructed below grade, and asteel sleeve 46 encased in the concrete pier 45. The lower end of acolumn 4 has then been inserted into the steel sleeve 46 and welded orbolted in place. (Because paved parking areas are typically not level,the lower ends of the columns 4 will be inserted into the steel sleeves46 at varying depths.)

[0038]FIG. 10 shows the typical connections between the upper end ofeach column 4 and the structural steel frame 37, and between the frame37 and the concrete deck 3. The structural steel frame 37, which isconstructed from prefabricated structural steel framing panels 51, isattached to the upper end of each column 4 with bolts 52. Prefabricatedconcrete panels 53, with an angle iron frame 54 and pad eyes 55 are laidinto place on top of the frame 37, and attached with anchor bolts 56.

[0039]FIG. 11 shows the layout of the structural steel frame 37, whichis constructed from prefabricated structural steel framing panels 51.The number of cross beams can vary, depending on design and constructionconsiderations.

[0040]FIG. 12 shows the layout of the concrete deck 3, with expansiongaps 57, for construction of the permanent structure 1. The concrete topfinish is typically sealed.

[0041]FIG. 13 shows the layout of the prefabricated concrete panels 53used for construction of the alternate removable structure 20. A gasket(not shown) is typically disposed between the concrete panels 53 inorder to prevent rain from dripping onto the vehicles below. Theconcrete top finish is typically sealed.

[0042]FIG. 14 shows the connections between the prefabricated structuralsteel framing panels 51 and the concrete deck panels 53. The steelframing panels 51 are attached with bolts 52 to form the structuralsteel frame 37. The concrete deck panels 53 are attached to the angleiron frame 54 with anchor bolts 56.

[0043]FIG. 15 shows a cross sectional side view of the concrete deckpanels 53, with the section forming the walkway 31.

[0044]FIG. 16 shows the angle iron frame 54 used for the alternatecombination structure 20.

I claim:
 1. A combination apparatus for providing covered parking forvehicles and storage, said apparatus comprising: at least four columns,each one of the columns having a first end and a second end, the firstend being affixed to a paved surface; a steel frame support mounted ontothe second ends of the columns; a concrete deck having a perimeter, thedeck being affixed to the steel frame; a storage compartment havinginterior divider walls forming multiple adjacent storage spaces; andmeans for accessing the storage spaces.
 2. The combination apparatus ofclaim 1 which further includes a stairway and a walkway to the storagespaces.
 3. The combination apparatus of claim 2 which further includes aguardrail affixed to a section of the perimeter of the concrete deck. 4.The combination apparatus of claim 1 wherein the means for accessingeach of the storage spaces comprises a coiling door.
 5. A removablecombination apparatus for providing covered parking for vehicles andstorage, said apparatus comprising: at least four columns, each one ofthe columns having a first end and a second end, the first end beingaffixed to a paved surface; a steel frame support mounted onto thesecond ends of the columns; an angle iron frame having a perimeter;prefabricated concrete panels affixed to the angle iron frame; amultiple number of prefabricated storage units arranged and affixedadjacent one to another, the storage units being affixed onto theconcrete panels; means for accessing the storage units.
 6. Thecombination apparatus of claim 5 which further includes a stairway and awalkway to the storage units.
 7. The combination apparatus of claim 6which further includes a guardrail affixed to a section of the perimeterof the angle iron frame.
 8. The combination apparatus of claim 5 whereinthe means for accessing each of the storage units comprises a coilingdoor.